BY JEN BAYLON
BACOLOD City – Security preparations are all set for the much-awaited Bacolaodiat Festival.
For the 19th grand Chinese New Year celebration in Bacolod City, slated from Feb. 9 to 11, a security framework has been put in place with a focus on the Lacson Tourism Strip, where a significant number of festivities will take place.
Nearly 500 police personnel will be deployed in the area, excluding volunteers and other law enforcement agencies, to safeguard peace and order.
All police stations in Bacolod City have been placed on full alert status to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone partaking in the festivities.
“We will utilize all police stations for anti-criminality operations. This means that around 1,000 personnel and force multipliers will be strategically utilized across Bacolod City,” Lieutenant Colonel Ronnie Brillo, spokesperson of the Bacolod City Police Office, said.
On the other hand, Brillo appealed to the public to cooperate and adhere to safety guidelines.
He urged attendees to undergo inspections upon entering the engagement area to ensure the non-entry of any deadly weapons or firearms. Additionally, he advised against wearing valuable jewelry, highlighting the need to remain vigilant and prevent theft.
“Gusto ko lang ipaabot sa aton pumuluyo diri sa Bacolod City, nga ma-attend or ma-participate sa Bacolaodiat, i-subject naton ang aton kaugalingon sa inspection so that magsulod sa engagement area safe kag waay mga deadly weapon ukon firearm ang makasulod sa area. Kag i-avoid gid danay ang pagdala sang malahalon nga jewelry tungod madamu ang tawo madali makawat,” he said.
Brillo also encouraged prompt reporting of any issues or concerns to facilitate swift action by the police.
“Kung may mga problema nga ma-encounter gilayon i-report sa police para madali ang action. Ginahingyo gid namun ang kooperasyon sang tanan para sa Bacolaodiat Festival, himuon naton ini nga matawhay, malinong kag masinadyahon,” Brillo told Panay News.
Bacolaodiat comes from the words “Bacolod” and “Lao Diat” (a Chinese phrase for celebration). It is a joint Chinese New Year celebration between the city government and the local Chinese community.
Major festivities will kick off on Feb. 9 with the Bacolaodiat Street Dance Competition at 4:30 p.m., featuring six official contingents dancing along 13th to 5th Lacson streets./PN
